TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning are attempting to trade Dan Boyle. The Lightning have been on a free agent signing tear since the Free Agency period opened. Their overpaying for Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Radim Vrbata and Olaf Kolzig has put them in a tough spot and they need to trade yet another of their core players. They dealt Brad Richards ($7.8m/year) to the Stars to get some cap room last year at the deadline and have basically replaced his salary with Malone’s ($4.5m/year) and Vrbata ($3m/year)

Last Seasons Stats:

Ryan Malone             27g 24a 51pts
Radim Vrbata            27g 29a 56pts
Brad Richards            20g 42a 62pts

Richards had a down season (injuries and the constant trade rumors), but is a consistent 20 goal a year scorer and was a point-a-game player when he went to Dallas.  Malone had a career year, but only had 51 points while playing with Malkin or Crosby most of the year. Vrbata had a career year as well. He broke 20 goals for the first time and set a personal best with 29 assists. Malone does bring intensity to a team and the ability to kill penalties, but is he worth the money he is getting? Would Tampa have been better with Richards and just dumping Boyle and his $3m/year salary at the deadline last year?

It will be interesting to see who bites on Boyle, especially since he has a no-trade clause.

****updated****

As was noted in the comments below, right after the post went live Boyle was dealt to the Sharks.

Dan Boyle agreed to a trade to the San Jose Sharks. Tampa Bay sent Boyle and defenceman Brad Lukowich for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart, a first round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and a fourth round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Pretty decent size salary dump for the Lightning. Carle is a decent defenseman and should fit in well in Tampa Bay. It is hard to guage what kind of coach Melrose will be after his long stint away from the coaching ranks.

Pass it on

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